OAS Commends Caribbean Countries for Rural Women's Rights Declaration

Following the adoption of the Declaration for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents, and Girls in Rural Areas of the Americas, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has sent congratulations to Caribbean nations. Adoption of the proclamation during the 53rd General Assembly was an important step towards resolving the difficulties encountered by rural women in the area.

The Inter-American Decade for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents, and Girls in Rural Settings of the Americas will run from 2024 to 2034, according to the proclamation. The OAS and its member nations have reaffirmed their commitment to giving rural women, girls, and adolescents a high priority when it comes to their welfare and empowerment.

The OAS emphasised the historical obligation due to rural women, many of whom live in abject poverty and don't have access to basic amenities like healthcare and education. Additionally, women frequently have to raise their kids by themselves.

According to data provided by the OAS, 58 million women in Latin America and the Caribbean reside in rural regions and are crucial in preserving the environment and guaranteeing food security. These women are also in charge of safeguarding and disseminating traditional knowledge about medicine, agriculture, and childcare.

Even though they perform a crucial role, the bulk of these rural women nevertheless confront many obstacles. Only around 30% of people have access to some type of land ownership, while many more live in unstable circumstances, work in the informal economy, and are extremely poor. They are much more vulnerable since they are still underrepresented in positions of power.

The acceptance of this proclamation is a critical step in recognising and resolving the problems that rural women, young people, and girls confront. The OAS and its member nations seek to build a more inclusive and fair society for all people living in the Americas by acknowledging their contributions and rights.

The proclamation paves the way for all-encompassing initiatives to improve rural women's lives by guaranteeing their access to economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and land ownership. It is envisaged that throughout the Inter-American Decade, the circumstances of rural women in the area would greatly improve as a result of collaborative work and assistance from the international community.